As the Premier League heads down the home straight, into the last three months of the competition, many supporters will look towards the summer transfer window, eagerly anticipating signings that will improve their squad with the ultimate aim of challenging for major honours.
At Liverpool, those transfer windows haven't been as successful as perhaps intended, In 2010/11, Roy Hodgson, admittedly on a tight budget under Hicks and Gillett, spent £23,300,000 on 6 players with half of that being spent on Raul Meireles, the only one out of the 6 shown below who can come out with any credit at all.
Then there was the infamous Winter transfer window which saw Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll join Liverpool for a combined £57 million. Only £22 million signing Luis Suarez can come out with credit with Andy Carroll never really fitting into the Liverpool squad. Luis Suarez much like Fernando Torres came at a cheap price to the performances he has put in and will inevitably be sold for a hefty profit.
The main theme is a lot of money has been 'wasted' on players who simply don't fit on or aren't strong enough to wear the shirt. This theme has altered slightly under Brendan Rodgers, where he has signed players who fit perfectly into the Liverpool system and at a relatively cheap price, apart from Joe Allen. Much was made when Liverpool failed in their pursuit of Clint Dempsey but the money saved went towards two very promising acquisitions in Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho. Both have massive potential and have time on their sides at Liverpool so it was shrewd business from the Reds.
Where can Liverpool strengthen this Summer?
Many people point to goalscoring problems but in truth they are living in past problems. Liverpool have only failed to score in 3 of their home matches this season, which is a sharp improvement to Kenny Dalglish's side in 2011/12.
Liverpool this season have in fact scored 49 goals, at a rate of 1.81 goals per game, which will see them end the season on 69 goals. Below are comparison stats to previous years dating back to the 2008/09 season.
This season's goal per game rate is at its highest since the season we finished 2nd, so goals don't seem to be the problem this year. The amount of goals we have conceded is arguably a much bigger problem and one in my opinion that needs addressing first in the summer. Below are the comparison stats to previous years dating back to the 2008/09 season.
This season's goals conceded per game rate is at its highest for a number of years so the stats show its the defence that has had the most problems this season.
How can it be solved? A new goalkeeper? A new defensive partnership? Cover for Enrique? Whatever the answer is, it's important it is found and acted on in the Summer or we could suffer another season like this.
At Liverpool, those transfer windows haven't been as successful as perhaps intended, In 2010/11, Roy Hodgson, admittedly on a tight budget under Hicks and Gillett, spent £23,300,000 on 6 players with half of that being spent on Raul Meireles, the only one out of the 6 shown below who can come out with any credit at all.
Then there was the infamous Winter transfer window which saw Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll join Liverpool for a combined £57 million. Only £22 million signing Luis Suarez can come out with credit with Andy Carroll never really fitting into the Liverpool squad. Luis Suarez much like Fernando Torres came at a cheap price to the performances he has put in and will inevitably be sold for a hefty profit.
The main theme is a lot of money has been 'wasted' on players who simply don't fit on or aren't strong enough to wear the shirt. This theme has altered slightly under Brendan Rodgers, where he has signed players who fit perfectly into the Liverpool system and at a relatively cheap price, apart from Joe Allen. Much was made when Liverpool failed in their pursuit of Clint Dempsey but the money saved went towards two very promising acquisitions in Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho. Both have massive potential and have time on their sides at Liverpool so it was shrewd business from the Reds.
Where can Liverpool strengthen this Summer?
Many people point to goalscoring problems but in truth they are living in past problems. Liverpool have only failed to score in 3 of their home matches this season, which is a sharp improvement to Kenny Dalglish's side in 2011/12.
Liverpool this season have in fact scored 49 goals, at a rate of 1.81 goals per game, which will see them end the season on 69 goals. Below are comparison stats to previous years dating back to the 2008/09 season.
2008/09 :- Goals Scored (77). Goals Scored PG (2.03)
2009/10 :- Goals Scored (61). Goals Scored PG (1.61)
2010/11 :- Goals Scored (59). Goals Scored PG (1.55)
2011/12 :- Goals Scored (47). Goals Scored PG (1.24)
2012/13 :- Goals Scored after 27 games. (49). Goals Scored PG (1.81)
This season's goal per game rate is at its highest since the season we finished 2nd, so goals don't seem to be the problem this year. The amount of goals we have conceded is arguably a much bigger problem and one in my opinion that needs addressing first in the summer. Below are the comparison stats to previous years dating back to the 2008/09 season.
2008/09 :- Goals Conceded (27). Goals Conceded PG (0.71)
2009/10 :- Goals Conceded (35). Goals Conceded PG (0.92)
2010/11 :- Goals Conceded (44). Goals Conceded PG (1.16)
2011/12 :- Goals Conceded (40). Goals Conceded PG (1.05)
2012/13 :- Goals Conceded after 27 games. (34). Goals Scored PG (1.26)
This season's goals conceded per game rate is at its highest for a number of years so the stats show its the defence that has had the most problems this season.
How can it be solved? A new goalkeeper? A new defensive partnership? Cover for Enrique? Whatever the answer is, it's important it is found and acted on in the Summer or we could suffer another season like this.
Liverpool News 24/7
0 comments:
Post a Comment